Story of Moses And How to Draw Lessons
This process of learning from experiences is so crucial that it's recognized as an essential educational method. This method finds expression in the story of Prophet Moses (AS) as narrated in the Quran.
One of the educational methods, as laid out by the Holy Quran and the righteous leaders, is the method of drawing lessons. Employing lessons as a means to achieve specific objectives has a long history in human society. Those in positions of authority, particularly, used to publicly punish their adversaries to deter and discipline the populace.
A key objective of education is to enable individuals to perceive things accurately, gain insight, delve beyond surface appearances, and avoid the misguided paths taken by others. In the story of Prophet Moses (AS), God has outlined several points that bear relevance to education and teaching:
1. The Parting of the Red Sea: When Prophet Moses (AS) and the Israelites witnessed the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of Pharaoh and his people, it left an indelible mark. Even though the Pharaoh observed this astounding spectacle, with the waters splitting and piling up like massive mountains, he still obstinately pursued Prophet Moses (AS) and the Israelites, unaware that his doom was imminent. God, after this story, states: “Surely, in that, there is a sign; yet most of them do not believe.” (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, verse 67)
2. Preservation of Pharaoh's Body: The Quran highlights the preservation of Pharaoh's body as a divine sign. Dr. Maurice Bucaille, a Frenchman, converted to Islam after studying Pharaoh's body and recognizing the Quran's reference to the preservation of his body. The bodies of Pharaohs and others were originally interred in the tombs of the Valley of the Kings across the Nile, yet this knowledge remained hidden until the late 19th century when the body of the Pharaoh contemporary to Prophet Moses (AS) was discovered, he wrote. God brought Pharaoh's body to the surface after his death as a lesson for future generations.
The entire narrative of Prophet Moses (AS), encompassing his initial mission, the confrontation with Pharaoh and his people, the rescue of the Israelites, and the drowning of Pharaoh and his army, serves as valuable lessons for those who reflect.
